On-Line Mathematics: Visions and Opportunities, Issues and Challenges,
and Recommendations

Report Summary

What should be the focus of online mathematics
learning?
The focus should be on mathematical problem solving and the study of
mathematical relationships. Learning should be situated in activity
that is authentic for the discipline of mathematics. On-line activities
should allow for exploration of concepts and relationships.

What advantages does online learning offer?
On-line learning has the potential of providing interactive exploration
based mathematics experiences where multiple representations are linked
and explored dynamically. Well designed on-line multimedia investigations
of mathematics concepts and relationships will be educational for both
students and teachers, helping them develop a broader understanding
of mathematics content and process.

What should be the nature of online learning
in mathematics education?
There should be a balance of on-line experiences, including demonstration,
performance and exploration. The design of learning should be modular,
and it should be possible to access and use modules in many different
ways (in a fully on-line course, in a partially on-line course, and
as a supplement to a classroom-based course). Students should have choices
based on ability and interest. Teachers should have the choice to use
a variety of strategies in their goal to help students develop a solid
understanding of mathematics. Although there will be some need to create
fully on-line courses, we envision on-line learning modules being used
primarily as supplements and enhancements of classroom based courses.

How would the role of the teacher change in
online mathematics learning?
The role of the teacher in the on-line environment is crucial, with
significant impact on the nature of the learning environment, what students
attend to mathematically, how the on-line resources are used by students,
and what they learn and what they value. The teacher will play a key
role in creating an on-line culture that values and encourages students'
sense making and construction of mathematical knowledge. Teacher education
and professional development will play a role in the quality of online
mathematics experiences for students.

How will we ensure the successful design and
implementation of online mathematics learning?
There should be careful consideration and application of technology
so that it benefits mathematics education. Mathematics pedagogy should
be paramount in decisions to adopt technological tools. There should
be sufficient time and resources allocated to the design, implementation
and evaluation and research of on-line mathematics learning. There needs
to be close collaborations between experts in mathematics, mathematics
pedagogy, and on-line technology at all stages of development of on-line
mathematics learning. There should ready and equitable student access
to on-line learning.